Wednesday's Ask the Experts: Burn spots

Wednesday''s Ask the Experts question from a cleaning professional on the International Custodial Advisors Network (ICAN) "Ask the Experts" page:Newly installed VCT has burned spots now from burnishing. I have to decide if the problem is the contractor’s or the person using the floor machine. Some tiles have small bumps in them from maybe something under the tile. I am thinking that the burnisher was used too long in one spot and caused the burned spots. Can you advise me on this type of problem? How many coats of sealer/finish should be used for high traffic? And lastly, how long should the last coat sit and cure before the floor is used full force?

The answer:

If the floor tech is trained, it’s unlikely burn spots would be caused by leaving the machine too long in one place. If there is a burn where the machine encountered a high spot, it is because the burnishing pad exerts increased pressure due to the irregular projection. When you inspect the floor from six feet away and by catching light reflections, you will be able to identify high spots. If it’s a major protrusion, there is no way to avoid ... — Gary Clipperton, president of National Pro Clean Corp.